All of you mean conservatives won't have Graham Platner to kick around anymore, as he's just officially dropped out of the Maine Senate race. He detailed his withdrawal in a letter dated Friday to Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows (who, by the way, is running to replace him on the Democrat ticket), saying, “I write to formally withdraw my candidacy for United States Senate," adding that “my name may have been on the ballot, but that ballot line belongs to the people of Maine.”
Platner was expected to make things official on Monday, but opted for the age-old political tactic of dropping big news on a Friday afternoon (usually done in the hope that the story dies over the weekend). This guy, judging from the caustic tone of his letter, wants to be remembered for a long time.
The official letter was posted to Platner's campaign X account at 4:41 p.m. ET.
— Graham Platner for Senate (@grahamformaine) July 10, 2026
Here's the entirety of boorish has-been's churlish exit:
On June 9th, 156,084 Mainers voted for a new kind of politics. One that is representative of people down here in the real world - not billionaires, oligarchs, or the political establishment. Mainers voted for Medicare for All; to ban billionaires from buying elections; and for an end to taxpayer-funded genocide and forever wars. They voted for time and dignity; for strong unions and jobs they can raise families on; for the hope of buying a home; for the chance to retire with grace.
People are desperate for change. For this broken system to be righted. For the American experiment to be furthered. Over the past eleven months, thousands and thousands of Mainers poured their hearts, time, and talent into a movement to deliver that vision. I will be forever grateful to them.
And in submitting this letter today, I seek to further the movement we have built together and the future we believe in.
My name may have been on the ballot, but that ballot line belongs to the people of Maine. As such, please consider this notice as my official withdrawal from consideration for this office.
F**k ICE. Free Palestine. Up the Hearts.
Solidarity forever,
Graham Platner
Bellows' office confirmed the receipt of Platner's withdrawal letter in a Friday press release: “Because the candidate officially withdrew before 5 p.m. of the 2nd Monday in July (July 13, 2026), his name will not appear on the ballot, and his political party may replace him."
Platner Makes a Mockery of Democrats' 'Party of Accountability' Claim
Maine Democrats now have until July 27 to formally nominate a candidate to replace Platner on the ticket.
A handful of Democrats have launched bids: Former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson, former Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention Nirav Shah, Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, Maine Beer Company co-founder Dan Kleban and former congressional candidate Jordan Wood, who served as chief of staff to former Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.).
The eventual nominee will take on incumbent Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), who is likely greatly enjoying the spectacle.
— Senate Leadership Fund (@Senate_Fund) July 6, 2026
UPDATE [6:17 PM Eastern]: Reacting to Platner's words and actions over the past few days, including Friday's exit letter, the Republican National Committee (RNC) has released this statement via spokesperson Kristen Cianci:
“Republicans have been sounding the alarm about Graham Platner for months and today he exited the race without taking any accountability. Instead, he declared himself kingmaker and his successor the carrier of his legacy – too bad his legacy is one of a sick Nazi rapist.”
Editor’s Note: The 2026 Midterms will determine the fate of President Trump’s America First agenda. Republicans must maintain control of both chambers of Congress.
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